A MASSIVE 10-year plan for the future of waste disposal in the area has been approved.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) will lead the tender to cover the authority, as well as Argyll and Bute Council and Inverclyde Council.

Councils are banned from 2021 from putting biodegradable material in landfills, and WDC’s current solid waste disposal contract ends in March 2019, so they are taking the opportunity to find a new plan two years ahead of the ban.

Last week’s infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee heard the contract for 10 years across all three authorities would cost a combined £141 million.

West Dunbartonshire is estimated to produce 40,000 tonnes of waste a year, with Inverclyde producing 41,000 tonnes and Argyll and Bute 13,000.

The contract, which will now go out to tender, would be for 10 years with an option for a five-year extension.

Ronnie Dinnie, the authority’s strategic lead for environment and neighbourhood, told councillors: “This would be a very complex procurement.

“There’s still an opportunity to use landfills but a shortage of space. We have the benefit of looking at solutions.”

He added that any firm taking on the contract might need to invest anywhere from £150m to £250m.

Council leader Jonathan McColl told the committee: “It’s good to see the three councils working at such a strategic level.

“Hopefully we can see more of this collaboration.”

Councillors unanimously approved the plan.